First, plot was intriguing but I couldn't get past all the sad marital relationships in this book. Kept skipping parts and then just put the book awayFirst, plot was intriguing but I couldn't get past all the sad marital relationships in this book. Kept skipping parts and then just put the book away in disgust. I am christian. I am happily married and most of my friends are. There is not one happy marriage in this book. All are either unmarried, having affairs with married men, or gay/lesbian. Book is alternating chapter between cyclists and her great-granddaughter. With that being said. I started off reading, then skipped Frieda's chapters after her affair came out. Then put whole book down all together. I didn't finish the book. Thought it would be more about her traveling but its really about her being stuck, and the granddaughters life. Sad that all the clergy in the novel were gay and preying on young girls. (they are groomers). Didn't finish, wish I had not read. ...more

I was disappointed with this book. For most reasons listed by others who read it. There was little character development, everything wrapped up so neaI was disappointed with this book. For most reasons listed by others who read it. There was little character development, everything wrapped up so neatly with Bella getting all her wishes, family, child, hubby, Jacob, you name it. So it really doesn't challenge you to feel for them in any way. You almost don't care enough about the characters - you just want to know how it ends. You can almost read the last few chapters and just say "ok, now I know." And the fact that the book is for teenagers and young girls makes the sex scenes so out of place. Sad but I would not let me 12 year old read it. I won't buy it and won't miss it. In fact, I almost regret spending 8 hours reading it. I feel cheated....more

I had mixed feelings about this book. On one hand the plot is very interesting. On the other, the author makes so many sexual references and adds scenI had mixed feelings about this book. On one hand the plot is very interesting. On the other, the author makes so many sexual references and adds scenes that are not even needed for the plot that it almost ruins the book. It seems he thinks the real learning arena is sexual encounters and sensory gratification. I also think he blurs the lines between real good and real evil. Obviously those who are different are not really evil. But killing, even for political reasons and vengence, is evil. The story seems to have no real morals only political implications.

Plus the author is all over the place. He has many ideas and narratives and they are very disjointed. He talks about Animal rights and the political climate of Oz and suppression but don't really tie it in well. Except that this is a passion of Elphie. I almost think he is comparing them to todays climate. Would the outcasts be lesbians and gays? Immigrants? He doesn't do a good job of making it interesting or thoughtful. Its just plain boring. He also spends tons of time describing relationships that go nowhere, and places that mean nothing. I found myself wishing for a cliffnotes version and I have never wished that before.

I do think it challenged me to look at political activity in a closer light but not the rest of my life. I enjoyed the plot but also found myself skipping tons of parts where he seemed to get preachy over the reality of good/evil. I also disagree in his depiction of fate. I don't think people are puppets but I believe all have a choice in what they do. You also feel sad for Elphaba because she never really succeeds at anything and never really finds happiness. Her death is so vague that you are unsure what really happened and what it meant to you.

The end is disappointing. You feel cheated. Watch the play - skip the book....more